This graphic shows states where Oregon made Medicaid payments to people enrolled in Medicaid programs in other states. 

Oregon has a knack for problems with Medicaid. It’s not all the state’s fault.

The federal Government Accountability Office estimated that in fiscal year 2023 there were $50 billion in improper overpayments and underpayments for patients across the country. Oregon has its share. And that doesn’t include the other challenges with Medicaid, including not covering the cost of care for hospital patients.

State auditors in Oregon and Washington tried something new and combined to do a joint audit of Medicaid to better understand incorrect payments. One of the big findings: “From 2019 to 2022, Oregon paid about $445 million for Medicaid recipients enrolled in Oregon and one or more states at the same time.” It’s wasteful when the same benefit is covered by more than one state.

There are things Oregon and other states can do to help fix this. There are things the federal government can do. Will they?

You can find the report here: tinyurl.com/ORmedicaid.